Boerderij of schuur c. 1880 - 1906

George Hendrik Breitner made this drawing, titled 'Boerderij of schuur', with a graphite pencil, giving it a stark, immediate quality. The composition, primarily in grayscale, centres on the structure of a barn, sketched with an emphasis on its geometric forms. Breitner’s focus on the barn's shape, delineated by sharp lines and contrasting shades, aligns with the formalist exploration of structure. Notice how the barn is divided; one side uses horizontal lines for light, and the other side is shaded for shadow. The drawing reduces the barn to its basic components, emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow to define its form. This approach mirrors the period's interest in reducing subjects to their essential elements. Ultimately, Breitner challenges our perception by deconstructing a familiar scene into abstract forms. The artwork prompts us to reconsider how we perceive and interpret the world through constructed shapes and lines.